Special Liturgical Services

Lenten Bible StudyThis years Lenten study is “Our World Today” by Bishop Bill Ray, bishop of North Queensland. He writes,“There are those in the world who see the church as a half full glass, while others see the church as an empty or half empty glass. These six studies are for those who see the church as a glass half full and are seeking to add to the glass of faith in a positive way to make a difference in our secular world. “

When: 2pm Wednesdays during LentWhere: At Jack and Avis Cole's place,50 Gambier Street.Study Books are $13. Please let Jenny know TODAY if you would like one as they need to be ordered this week.

Shrove Tuesday

Shrove Tuesday also known as Pancake Day is the day immediately preceding Ash Wednesday, the first day of Lent.It is celebrated in some countries by consuming pancakes and other “forbidden foods” before the fasting period of Lent when many Christians make a special point of self-examination, considering what amendments of life or areas of spiritual growth they especially need to ask God's help in dealing with.

The expression "Shrove Tuesday" comes from the word ‘shrive”meaning “absolve”. Pancakes are associated with the day preceding Lent because they were a way to use up rich foods such as eggs, milk, and sugar, before the fasting season of the 40 days of Lent. In addition, pancakes,are symbols for creation (eggs), nutrition (flour), wholesomeness (salt) and purity (milk). The liturgical fasting emphasized eating plainer food and refraining from food that would give pleasure: in many cultures, this means no meat, dairy products, or eggs.

Ash WednesdayAsh Wednesday is one of the most popular and important holy days in the liturgical calendar. Ash Wednesday opens Lent, a season of fasting and prayer.

Ash Wednesday takes place 46 days before Easter Sunday, and comes from the ancient Jewish tradition of penance and fasting. The practice includes the wearing of ashes on the head. The ashes symbolize the dust from which God made us. Ashes also symbolize grief, in this case, grief that we have sinned and caused division from God.Priests administer ashes during Mass and all people, Christian or non-Christian are invited to accept the ashes as a visible symbol of penance. The ashes are made from blessed palm branches, taken from the previous year's palm Sunday Mass.

It is important to remember that Ash Wednesday is a day of penitential prayer and fasting. Some faithful take the rest of the day off work and remain home. It is generally inappropriate to dine out, to shop, or to go about in public after receiving the ashes. It is not required that a person wear the ashes for the rest of the day, and they may be washed off after Mass.

However, many people keep the ashes as a reminder until the evening.Ash Wednesday marks the beginning of the Season of Lent. It is a season of penance, reflection, and fasting which prepares us for Christ's Resurrection on Easter Sunday, through which we attain redemption.

Dates to RememberFeb 13th—Shrove Tuesday—12pm. Pancake Luncheon in Hall.Please note no service to be held.Feb 14th—Ash Wednesday—Service to be held at 1pm.Feb 21st—Lenten Bible StudyMarch 2nd—World Day of Prayer at St. Aidan's